Alexander Gabriel Watch Company to release its new line of custom 3D printed watches

Mar 25, 2016 | By Tess

In a time where products are generally massed produced and custom pieces of almost anything are reserved solely for those who can afford the high price of customization, 3D printing has offered many individuals and businesses a way to bring bespoke items back into the lives of regular people. One such company is Central Florida-based watchmaker Alexander Gabriel Watch Company, Inc. which is developing its first line of custom made 3D printed watches.

The young company, founded and run by Roy Trent, has recently announced two exciting new partnerships with electronics company XLN Technologies and the Space Coast Fablab, a Florida-based nonprofit geared towards helping people through courses and project-based learning. The recent partnerships, as well as the company’s continued collaboration with the engineering department at the Florida Institute of Technology, will help bring the company’s customizable 3D printed watches to fruition.

Roy Trent says of the recent partnerships, "We are happy to announce these partnerships and are very proud of our commitment to fine craftsmanship and to make these custom watches locally. We have had a good reception to our product and so far it's really resonating with people. They appreciate we are USA made and that we are not farming out the manufacturing process overseas.”

The watches, as Trent emphasizes, are made from a collection of specially designed 3D printed parts and are hand-assembled with reliable Swiss Mechanical Movements (the only part of the watch which is not U.S. made) and sapphire crystal. The watch straps as well are made locally from hand-cut leather and are dyed and hand-stitched by Polito Custom Straps.

In terms of customization, clients wishing to order a 3D printed watch will be able to customize the color and stitching of their leather strap, as well as what style of laser cut dial and which type of Swiss Mechanical Movement they desire. The watch boxes, an important part of gifting or receiving a nice watch, will also be 3D printed and will come with the option of inscribing a name or special message on the box.

The company was founded out of a want to create an affordable, accessible, and still bespoke wrist-watch. Having brought on board a number of innovative individuals and teams, the company is well on its way to introducing their 3D printed watches on the market. In addition to that, the Alexander Gabriel Watch Company, Inc. is yet another inspiring example of a person with a distinct vision combining both old hand-crafted techniques with new technological processes to create a unique, affordable, and still stunning product. As the company acknowledges, “It takes time to make time”.